Aphodius
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Aphodius | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Aphodius pedellus, Canada | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Scarabaeiformia |
| Family: | Scarabaeidae |
| Subfamily: | Aphodiinae |
| Tribe: | Aphodiini |
| Genus: | Aphodius Illiger, 1798 |
Aphodius is a genus of beetles in the family Scarabaeidae. In most species both the adults and larvae are coprophagous (dung feeding)[1] although some species have herbivorous or saprophagous larvae.[2] Aphodius species typically dominate dung beetle communities in north temperate ecosystems.[3] Most species are functionally classified as endocoprids, also known as dwellers, because the larvae live and feed within the dung pat itself.[4]
With a discovery of an earlier published version by Hellwig, the correct citation for this genus is now: Aphodius Hellwig, 1798 (p. 101; 24 January). Type species by subsequent designation by Latreille (1810): Scarabaeus fimetarius Linnaeus, 1758.[5]
